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Phrase(s): step out of line
1. Lit. to move out of a line of people. • If you step out of line, you will lose your place in it. • I had to step out of line to sit down on the curb and rest for a minute. 2. Fig. to misbehave; to deviate from normal, expected, or demanded behavior. • If you step out of line again, I’ll slap you. • Tom stepped out of line once too often and got yelled at.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs